Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

A takeout favorite made easily at home — tender beef, crisp peppers, and a rich, savory sauce!

If you’ve ever ordered Pepper Steak with Onions from your favorite Chinese restaurant and thought, “I wish I could make this at home,” — this is your recipe!

This dish features thinly sliced beef, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet caramelized onions, all tossed in a glossy, garlic-soy sauce that’s perfectly savory, slightly sweet, and full of umami flavor. The best part? It’s ready in about 30 minutes, and it tastes even better than takeout.

Serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option — either way, it’s a total crowd-pleaser.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Cuisine: Chinese-American
• Skill Level: Easy

Ingredients

For the Steak Marinade:

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (optional but highly recommended)

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup beef broth or water
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (for deep umami flavor)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons of water (to thicken)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for aroma)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Slice your steak thinly against the grain (this helps keep it tender). In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, cornstarch, oil, and sugar. Add the beef and toss well to coat.
Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prep the veggies and sauce.

 Tip: If the beef is slightly frozen, it’s easier to slice into thin, even pieces.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Set aside — you’ll add the cornstarch slurry later when it’s time to thicken the sauce.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the onions and bell peppers, and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until they’re crisp-tender but still slightly firm.
Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Sear the Beef

Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add the marinated beef in a single layer (you might need to do this in batches). Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until browned and mostly cooked through.

Add in the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Add the Sauce and Thicken

Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the beef. Stir well to coat everything evenly, then add the cornstarch slurry (the mixture of cornstarch and water).
Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy, velvety coating.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked onions and bell peppers back into the pan. Toss everything together until well mixed and heated through.

Taste and adjust seasoning — add more soy sauce for saltiness or a touch of sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce.

Serve immediately over hot white rice, fried rice, or noodles.

Optional Garnishes

• Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra flavor and color.
• Add a dash of sriracha or chili oil if you like it spicy!

Tips for the Best Pepper Steak

1. Slice against the grain — this keeps the beef tender.
2. Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook in batches for that perfect sear.
3. Use fresh veggies for the best crunch and color.
4. Adjust the sauce — if it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth.

Serving Ideas

• Serve over steamed jasmine rice for a classic takeout-style meal.
• For a healthier twist, try it with brown rice or cauliflower rice.
• Make it a complete meal by adding stir-fried noodles, spring rolls, or a fresh cucumber salad on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions has everything you crave from your favorite restaurant — bold flavors, tender beef, and that glossy, savory sauce — all made at home with simple ingredients. It’s quick, customizable, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing.

Once you try it, you’ll never go back to takeout!